Modular tank for a refrigerated display case

ABSTRACT

A temperature controlled case includes a housing that defines a temperature controlled space; a cooling system in thermal communication with the temperature controlled space; and a modular tank supporting the housing and the cooling system. According to one embodiment, the modular tank includes: a body having a top surface, a drain defined by the top surface, and at least one groove defined by the top surface, wherein a groove of the at least one groove receives a component of the housing to couple the component to the modular tank.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/261,066 entitled “MODULAR TANK FOR A REFRIGERATEDDISPLAY CASE,” filed Nov. 30, 2015, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a temperature controlled case. Morespecifically, the present disclosure relates to a modular tank for atemperature controlled case.

BACKGROUND

Temperature controlled cases are used for the storage, preservation, andpresentation of products, such as food products including perishablemeat, dairy, seafood, produce, etc. To facilitate the preservation ofthe products, temperature controlled cases often include one or morecooling systems for maintaining a display area of the case at a desiredtemperature.

Temperature controlled cases (e.g., refrigerated cases, freezers,merchandisers, etc.) may be used in both commercial and residentialsettings. For example and in regard to a commercial setting, grocery orsupermarkets typically have one or more aisles lined with temperaturecontrolled cases. In regard to primarily commercial settings, eachcommercial environment is typically different (e.g., layout, sizerestraints, etc.). As a result, layouts and arrangements for temperaturecontrolled cases are typically custom designed. In some instances,modifications to the cases themselves are required in order toaccommodate the size and space constraints. Such modifications may betime consuming and costly. Better systems of accommodating temperaturecontrolled cases to their environments or settings are desired.

SUMMARY

One embodiment relates to a temperature controlled case. The temperaturecontrolled case includes a housing that defines a temperature controlledspace; a cooling system in thermal communication with the temperaturecontrolled space; a first modular tank; and a second modular tank,wherein each of the first and second modular tanks are coupled to atleast one component of the housing. According to one embodiment, eachmodular tank of the first and second modular tanks includes: a bodyhaving a top surface, and a support structure coupled to the body,wherein the support structure includes a pair of legs for supporting thebody above a support surface. In some arrangements, the supportstructure of the first modular tank couples to the support structure ofthe second modular tank to couple the first modular tank to the secondmodular tank.

Another embodiment relates to a temperature controlled case. Thetemperature controlled case a housing that defines a temperaturecontrolled space; a cooling system in thermal communication with thetemperature controlled space; and a modular tank supporting the housingand the cooling system. According to one embodiment, the modular tankincludes: a body having a top surface, a drain defined by the topsurface, and at least one groove defined by the top surface, wherein agroove of the at least one groove receives a component of the housing tocouple the component to the modular tank.

Still another embodiment a temperature controlled case having a housingthat defines a temperature controlled space in thermal communicationwith a cooling system and a modular tank for at least partiallysupporting the housing and the cooling system, the modular tankincludes: a body having a top surface; a drain defined by the topsurface; a first groove defined by the body and positioned near a frontportion of the body; a second groove defined by the body and positionednear a rear portion of the body; and a support structured attached tothe body, wherein the support structure includes a body and a pair oflegs, wherein the pair of legs support the body above a support for thecase. According to one embodiment, at least one of the first groove andthe second groove receive a component of the housing to couple thecomponent to the body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a temperature controlled case with amodular tank, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the temperature controlled caseof FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective of the temperature-controlled case of FIG. 1with the cooling system and most of the housing removed to illustratethe two modular tanks coupled together, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 4 is an exploded assembly view of the two modular tanks of FIG. 3,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is close-up view of Section 5-5 from FIG. 4, according to anexemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part thereof. In the drawings,similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless contextdictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in thedetailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting.Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made,without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matterpresented here.

Referring to the Figures generally, various embodiments disclosed hereinrelate to a modular tank for a temperature controlled case. The modulartank may interface with a support surface (e.g., a ground surface) todefine a support structure for at least a portion of the temperaturecontrolled case. For example, the modular tank may support one or morecomponents of a cooling system, such as the cooling element, as well asone or more components of a housing for the temperature-controlled case.According to one embodiment, the modular tank includes a couplingmechanism (e.g., a groove forming a tongue and groove joint) forattaching one or more walls or panels of the housing to the tank. Themodular tank may come produced in one or more standard sizes (e.g.,sixty-inches long, ninety-inches long, etc.) and include an attachmentdevice for mating, attaching, or coupling the modular tank to anothermodular tank. Advantageously, two or more modular tanks may be coupledtogether to accommodate various size and space conditions in an intendedenvironment. Rather than producing various custom-length sections, byutilizing a limited number of modular tank sizes, the modular tank ofthe present disclosure may be produced in a relatively more efficientmanner, reduce the number of custom components (which leads to areduction in manufacturing costs and inventory costs), and create anease of installation/assembly of the temperature controlled case in theintended environment.

According to one embodiment, the modular tank may also include anelevation or height adjustment system. The height adjustment system mayfacilitate adjustment of a height of the modular tank relative to asupport surface. For example, the modular tank may include a pluralityof support feet that utilize a screw to adjust their extension lengthfrom the body of the tank. As a result, not only may the modular tank beleveled with respect to the support surface but many modular tankscoupled together may be individually leveled. Such a precision controlfeature may increase the ease of installation of each modular tank andincrease performance of the case as a whole (e.g., reduce strain thatmay be caused from one or more non-level yet coupled tanks). These andother features of the present disclosure are described more fullyherein.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a temperature controlled display device 10 isshown, according to an exemplary embodiment. The temperature controlleddisplay device 10, also referred to herein as a temperature controlledcase, may be a refrigerator, a freezer, a refrigerated merchandiser, arefrigerated display case, or other device capable of use in acommercial, institutional, or residential setting for storing and/ordisplaying refrigerated or frozen objects. For example, the temperaturecontrolled display device 10 may be a service type refrigerated displaycase for displaying fresh food products (e.g., meat, dairy, produce,etc.) in a supermarket or other commercial setting.

As shown in FIG. 1, two temperature controlled display devices 10 arecoupled or joined together. In one embodiment, the temperaturecontrolled spaces 12 of each case 10 are in communication. That is tosay, no or an insignificant barrier separates the temperature controlledspace 12 of each case 10. In another embodiment, a partition such as oneor more walls of the housing of case 10 may extend between the two casesto act as a barrier between the temperature controlled space 12 of eachcase 10. In this configuration, the temperature controlled space 12 ofeach case 10 may be maintained at different temperatures. In stillanother embodiment, an air curtain may be provided between thetemperature controlled spaces 12 of each case 10 to serve as a buffer orbarrier between each space 12. All such variations are intended to fallwithin the scope of the present disclosure.

While FIG. 1 depicts two temperature controlled display devices 10coupled together, the bulk of the disclosure below is directed to atemperature controlled case 10 individually. In this regard, it shouldbe appreciated that the same or similar description may also be appliedto one or more temperature controlled cases coupled together.

With the above in mind, referring now to FIG. 2, a side cross-sectionalview of the temperature controlled display device 10 of FIG. 1 is shownaccording to an exemplary embodiment. The temperature controlled displaydevice 10 includes a housing 11 that defines a temperature controlledspace 12 (i.e., a display area). The temperature controlled space 12 hasa plurality of shelves 14 for storage and display of products therein.In various embodiments, the temperature controlled display device 10 maybe an open-front refrigerated display case or a closed-front displaycase like shown in FIG. 1. An open-front display case may use a flow ofchilled air that is discharged across the open front of the case to helpmaintain a desired temperature within temperature controlled space 12. Aclosed-front display case may include one or more doors, such as a door120, for accessing food products or other items stored withintemperature controlled space 12. Both types of display cases may alsoinclude various openings within temperature controlled space 12 that areconfigured to route chilled air from a cooling system 100 to otherportions of the respective display case (e.g., via an air mover, such asfan 106).

The temperature controlled display device 10 includes a cooling system100 for cooling the temperature controlled space 12. The cooling system100 includes at least one cooling element 102 (e.g. evaporator, coolingcoil, fan-coil, evaporator coil, heat exchanger, etc.) and a unit 104.According to one embodiment, the unit 104 is structured as a condensingunit or parallel condensing system when the cooling system 100 isstructured as a direct heat exchange system. The condensing unit mayinclude any typical component included with condensing units in directheat exchange systems, such as a compressor, condenser, receiver, etc.According to another embodiment, the unit 104 is structured as a chiller(e.g., heat exchanger, etc.) when the cooling system 100 is structuredas a secondary coolant system. The chiller facilitates heat exchangebetween a primary refrigerant loop and a secondary coolant loop. Thesecondary coolant loop includes the cooling element 102 and any othercomponent typically included in the secondary coolant loops of secondarycoolant systems. The primary refrigerant loop includes any typicalcomponents used in primary refrigerant loops of secondary coolantsystems, such as a condenser, compressor, receiver, etc. In eitherconfiguration, during a cooling mode of operation, the cooling element102 may operate at a temperature lower than the temperature of the airwithin the temperature controlled space 12 to provide cooling to thetemperature controlled space 12. For instance and in regard to a directheat exchange system, during the cooling mode, the cooling element 102may receive a liquid coolant from a condensing unit. The liquid coolantmay lower the temperature of the cooling element 102 below thetemperature of the air surrounding the cooling element 102 causing thecooling element 102 (e.g., the liquid coolant within cooling element102) to absorb heat from the surrounding air. As the heat is removedfrom the surrounding air, the surrounding air is chilled. The chilledair may then be directed to the temperature controlled space 12 by atleast one air mover or another air handling device, shown as a fan 106in FIG. 1, in order to lower or otherwise control the temperature of thetemperature controlled space 12.

As shown, the fan 106 is positioned proximate the door 120 in front ofthe cooling element 102. Accordingly, in use, the fan 106 pushes airthrough the cooling element 102 into the rear duct 20. In anotherembodiment, the fan 106 may be positioned proximate the rear wall 64 inback of the cooling element 102. In this configuration, the fan 106pulls or induces an air flow through the cooling element 102 to the rearduct 20. An example configuration for an induced air flow system isdepicted and described in regard to U.S. patent application Ser. No.______ titled “Refrigerated Case with an Induced Air Flow System,” theentirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The temperature controlled display device 10 is shown to include acompartment 18 located beneath the temperature controlled space 12. Invarious other embodiments, the compartment 18 may be located above thetemperature controlled space 12, behind the temperature controlled space12, below the cooling system 100, or in any other position with respectto temperature controlled space 12. The compartment 18 may contain oneor more components of the cooling system 100, such as the unit 104. Insome embodiments, the cooling system 100 includes one or more additionalcomponents such as a separate compressor, an expansion device, a valveor other pressure-regulating device, a temperature sensor, a controller,a fan, and/or various other components commonly used in refrigerationsystems, any of which may be stored within the compartment 18. As shown,the temperature controlled display device 10 may also include a box 110for electronics (i.e., an electronics box). The electronics box 110 maybe structured as a junction box for one or more electrically-drivencomponents of the device 10. The electronics box 110 may also bestructured to store one or more controllers for one or more componentsof the device 10. For example, the box 110 may include hardware and/orlogic components for selectively activating the cooling system 100 toachieve or substantially achieve a desired temperature in the displayarea 12.

As also shown, the temperature-controlled display device 10 includes ahousing 11 and a door 120. The door 120 is movably coupled to thehousing 11. The door 120 is movable from a position furthest from thetemperature controlled space 12 (i.e., a full open position) to aposition that covers or substantially covers the temperature controlledspace 12 (i.e., a full close position). In the full or a partial openposition, a user may reach into the display area 12 to access one ormore of the products stored therein.

The housing 11 includes cabinets (e.g., shells, etc.) shown as an outercabinet 50 and an inner cabinet 60 that include one or more walls (e.g.,panel, partition, barrier, etc.). The outer cabinet 50 includes a topwall 52 coupled to a rear wall 54. The inner cabinet 60 generallyincludes a top wall 62 coupled to a rear wall 64 that is coupled to abase wall 66. Coupling between the walls may be via any type ofattachment mechanism including, but not limited to, fasteners (e.g.,screws, nails, etc.), brazes, welds, press fits, snap engagements, etc.In some embodiments, the inner and outer cabinets 60 and 50 may each beof an integral or uniform construction (e.g., molded pieces). In stillfurther embodiments, more walls, partitions, dividers, and the like maybe included with at least one of the inner and outer cabinets 60 and 50.All such construction variations are intended to fall within the spiritand scope of the present disclosure.

The temperature controlled display device 10 defines a plurality ofducts (e.g., channels, pipes, conduits, etc.) for circulating chilledair. As shown and generally speaking, the outer rear wall 54 and innerrear wall 64 define or form a rear duct 20. More particularly, a divider63 (e.g., wall, partition, panel, barrier, etc.) and the inner rear wall64 define or form the rear duct 20. A panel 65 is situated between thedivider 63 and the outer rear wall 54. In one embodiment, the panel 65is structured as an insulation panel configured to prevent orsubstantially prevent warmer, ambient air from transferring heat to thecooled air in the rear duct 20. As shown, the rear duct 20 is in fluidcommunication with the compartment 18. The rear duct 20 is also in fluidcommunication with a top duct 30. The top duct 30 is defined or formedby the outer top wall 52 and the inner top wall 62. While shown asprimarily rectangular in shape, it should be understood that any shapeand size of the ducts may be used with the temperature controlleddisplay device 10 of the present disclosure. Furthermore, in someembodiments, at least one of the rear and top ducts 20, 30 may includeone or more openings (e.g., apertures) in communication with the displayarea 12. When chilled air is circulated through the ducts, a portion ofthe chilled air may leak out of the openings into the display area 12for additional cooling.

With the above in mind, operation of the ducts 20 and 30 in connectionwith the cooling system 100 of the temperature-controlled display device10 may be described as follows. As heat is removed from the surroundingair via the cooling element 102, the surrounding air is chilled. Whilethe chilled air may be directed to temperature controlled space 12 by atleast one air mover or another air flow device, the chilled air may alsobe circulated through the ducts 20 and 30 by the fan 106. Via the motiveforce from the fan 106, the chilled air is first directed to the rearduct 20. The rear duct 20 guides the chilled air to the top duct 30. Thetop duct 30 guides the chilled air to a discharger 70. The discharger 70(e.g., diffuser) provides or discharges the chilled air to form or atleast partially form an air curtain 80. At least part of the air in theair curtain 80 may be received by a receptacle, shown as a vent 72 thatis in fluid communication with the compartment 18. The received air maythen be pushed through the cooling element by the fan 106 and theprocess repeated.

As shown, a modular tank 150 provides the support structure for thetemperature-controlled case 10. In this regard and in this example, themodular tank 150 includes a top surface positioned substantially withinthe compartment 18 to serve as the coupling structure and/or restingstructure for one or more components of the case 10 (e.g., a componentof the cooling system 100 such as the cooling element 102). As shown inFIGS. 1-2, the modular tank 150 serves as the base for the case 10 tosupport all or substantially all the structures (e.g., housing 11portions) that extend vertically above the tank 150.

As described herein, the modular tank 150 facilitates the reception ofone or more components of the housing 11 of a case to facilitateassembly of the case 10 upon the tank 150. Further, the modular tank 150provides a joining mechanism for linking or coupling a modular tank 150to another modular tank 150 (and so on) to vary the length of thecombined tanks 150 (and, consequently, the cases 10).

In the examples depicted, the case 10 is structured as avertically-oriented temperature controlled case with the cooling system100 positioned in a bottom compartment 18. However, the modular tank 150of the present disclosure may also be applicable withvertically-oriented temperature controlled cases where the coolingsystem 100 is positioned above the temperature controlled space; withhorizontally oriented temperature controlled cases where the coolingsystem is positioned above or below the temperature controlled space;and/or with any other type of temperature controlled space. Accordingly,the depicted examples are not meant to be limiting.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-5, the modular tanks of FIGS. 1-2 are shownaccording to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 3 depicts a first modulartank 150 coupled to a second modular tank 150, wherein the coupledmodular tanks provide the base support structure for the cases 10 ofFIG. 1. FIG. 4 depicts an exploded assembly view of the modular tanks ofFIG. 3, and FIG. 5 depicts a close-up or enlarged view of section 5-5from FIG. 4. Because each modular tank 150 is identical or substantiallyidentical (e.g., the length of the tank 150 may vary) in structure andfunction, only one modular tank is explained herein below.

According to one embodiment, the modular tank 150 is produced in alimited number of sizes (e.g., lengths 157) and shapes. For example, themodular tank 150 may be produced in a sixty-inch length 157 and aninety-inch length 157. These two different length tanks may be mix andmatched to accommodate different environments. In another example, whilethe tank 150 is shown to be substantially rectangular in shape, in otherembodiments, any other shape for the tank 150 may be used (e.g., asubstantially square shape, or triangular, or wedge-shape, etc.).

The modular tank 150 may be constructed as a unitary component (e.g.,one-piece component) or several components. In this regard, the modulartank 150 may be constructed from metal-based components (e.g., sheetmetal) and/or composite based materials (e.g., plastic). The modulartank 150 may be a solid or a substantially solid component to increaserigidity and the structural support capability of the tank 150. Inanother embodiment, the modular tank 150 may define an inner cavity(i.e., in between top surface 154 and a bottom surface proximate thesupport surface for the tank), where the inner cavity may be fluidlycoupled to a drainage duct or receptacle for capturing condensation. Forexample, the tank 150 may include a removably replaceable pan thatreceives condensation from drain 152 and allows personnel to empty thepan to remove the condensation. In another example, the drain 152 isfluidly coupled to a reservoir for receiving the condensation such thatpersonnel need not or substantially need not worry about removing theaccumulated condensation from the tank 150 (and compartment 18). In someembodiments, the inner cavity may also include an insulating material tosubstantially thermally insulate the compartment 18. All such variationsare intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

As shown, the modular tank 150 includes a body 151 having a top surface154 (e.g., upper surface, major surface, etc.). When in use with thecase 10, the top surface 154 is in communication with the compartment 18and may function as a support structure for one or more componentsstored in the compartment 18 (e.g., cooling element 102). The topsurface 154 is shown to define a gutter 155 (e.g., recess, etc.) and adrain 152, where the drain 152 is positioned in the gutter 155. Thegutter 155 may be angled or otherwise structured to funnel or filteraccumulated condensation (from, e.g., the cooling element 102) to thedrain 152. In this regard, the drain 152 may be positioned at therelatively lowest point relative to the top surface 154 and gutter 155(e.g., closest to a support surface such as a ground surface for thetank 150). The drain 152 may have any shape and size desired. In theexample shown, the drain 152 is substantially cylindrical in shape.Similarly, the gutter 155 is shown to extend substantially a length 157of the tank 150 and is rectangular in shape. However, in otherembodiments, the gutter 155 may be excluded from the tank 150, onlypartially extend the length 157 of the top surface 154 and/or tank 150,and/or be of a different shape.

Furthermore, while the drain 152 and gutter 155 are positioned in afrontward position on the surface 154 (i.e., proximate the door 120 oruser access region for the case 10), in other embodiments, the drain 152and/or gutter 155 may be positioned in any location on the top surface154. For example, in an induced air flow cooling system, the drain 152may be positioned relatively closer to the rear of the case (i.e.,proximate rear wall 64).

As mentioned above, in one embodiment, the drain 152 may be fluidlycoupled to a pan of the tank 150, where the pan receives and storesaccumulated condensation. Periodically, relevant personnel (e.g., anattendant of the case 10, a technician, etc.) may empty the pan. Inanother embodiment, the drain 152 may be fluidly coupled to a reservoir(e.g., via piping or conduit), where the reservoir receives theaccumulated condensation.

In one embodiment, the top surface 154 is substantially planar in nature(i.e., predominately flat). In another embodiment and as shown, the topsurface 154 is at an angle 153 relative to a horizontal plane. The angle153 facilitates drainage of the accumulated condensation towards theintended drainage area (e.g., drain 152). The angle 153 may be of awidely configured with all such variations intended to fall within thescope of the present disclosure.

The top surface 154 is shown to include one or more indicators 156. Theindicator 156 may provide an indication of an intended location of oneor more components on the surface 154. In the example shown, theindicator 156 depicts the intended location of the cooling element 102.In this regard, an installer may position the cooling element 102 nearthe indicator(s) 156, which reduces a misplacement chance by theinstaller. Beneficially, such indicators may facilitate a quickerassembly of the case 10.

As shown, the indicators 156 are protrusions extending above the surface154 (i.e., away from the support surface for the tank 150). In thisregard, the indicators 156 may act as a physical stop for the component,such as cooling element 102. In another embodiment, the indicator 156may include a coupling mechanism, such as a pinhole, for coupling thecomponent to the surface 154. In still another embodiment, the indicator156 may include insignia or signage indicating where one or morecomponents should be positioned. In yet another embodiment, theindicator 156 may include any combination of insignia, a physicalstructure, and a coupling mechanism.

In the example shown, two indicators 156 are positioned near a rearlocation of the top surface 154. Such positioning may be used for thecooling system 100 of FIG. 2, where the cooling element 102 ispositioned near a rear of the case 10. However, as described herein, theindicator(s) 156 may be positioned in any location to accommodate anycase configuration. For example, the indicator(s) 156 may be positionednear a middle portion of the surface 154 when an induced airflow systemis arranged.

The modular tank 150 is also shown to include a pair of grooves. Asshown, the grooves 158, 159 (e.g., notch, recess, etc.) are also definedby the body 161 of the support structure 160 (described below). As aresult, the grooves 158, 159 extend the entire or substantially theentire length 157 of the tank. In other embodiments, there may be onlyone groove, the groove(s) may not extend through the support structure160, and/or be sized/shaped different from depicted.

In use, the front groove 158 of a first tank 150 aligns with a frontgroove 158 of another tank 150 to form a continuous or substantiallycontinuous groove that extends the length of the joined tanks 150. Thefront and rear grooves 158, 159 may receive one or more panels of thehousing 11. For example, a rear wall 64 of the housing 11 may bereceived by the rear groove 159 to couple the rear wall 64 to the tank150. In this regard, the grooves 158, 159 may form a tongue-and-groovecoupling structure with one or more panels of the housing 11. It shouldbe understood that in other embodiments, other coupling devices ormechanisms may be used to mate or couple the housing 11 (or certaincomponents thereof) to the tank 150. For example, other configurationsmay utilize one or more fasteners to securely hold a panel of thehousing to the tank 150. In another example, an interferencerelationship may be formed or a snap-engagement utilized to couple oneor more panels of the housing 11 to the tank 150.

The modular tank 150 is also shown to include a pair of supportstructures 160. A first support structure 160 is attached or coupled toone end of the tank 150, while a second support structure 160 isattached to a second opposite end of the tank 150 (along length 157).The two support structures 160 support the body 151 of the tank 150. Inother embodiments, more than two or less than two support structures maybe used with the tank 150. The support structure 150 may be a unitarycomponent or two or more assembled or joined components. In someembodiments, the support structure 160 may be of integral or unitaryconstruction with the body 151 while in other embodiments, the supportstructure 160 may couple to the body 151. The support structure 160 isshown to include a body 161 interconnected with or coupled to a pair oflegs 162.

The pair of legs 162 includes a first leg 162 proximate the front of thetank 150 (e.g., front groove 158) and a second leg 162 proximate therear of the tank 150 (i.e., rear groove 157). The legs 162 may rest on asupport surface for the tank 150 and elevate the tank 150 above thesupport or ground surface. In other embodiments, more than two legs maybe included with the support structure 160. Accordingly, in the exampledepicted, four legs support each body 151 of each tank 150.

When coupling or joining a first modular tank 150 with a second modulartank 150, a support structure 160 of the first modular tank 150 mayalign and coupled with a support structure 160 of the second modulartank. In this regard and as shown, the body 161 forms a cavity 163 thatextends the width or substantially the width of the support structure160, where the cavity 163 is in communication with each leg 162. Thecavity 163 of each support structure 160 may be closed or sealed whenthe first support structure 160 is coupled with the second supportstructure 160. In this regard, each support structure 160 of a combinedsupport structure represents one-half of the combined support structure.By forming a half of a full support structure, the support structures160 may be produced relatively easily without or substantially withoutcustomizations for each support structure 160.

In one embodiment, the support structure 160 may couple to anothersupport structure 160 by a mating feature included with one or both ofthe support structures. For example, a snap engagement may be formedbetween two support structures 160. In another example, one supportstructure may include one or more protrusions (e.g., pins) that may bereceived in hole(s) of the other support structure 160. In eitherembodiment, the coupling of two support structures 160 avoids orsubstantially avoids the use of additional components relative to thetwo support structures to join two support structures.

In another embodiment and in the example shown, two support structures160 may be coupled together via an intermediary device, shown as aspacer 180. Advantageously, the cavity 163 may define a receptacle forthe coupling device (i.e., spacer 180) to reduce space when joining twotanks together. In use, approximately half of the spacer 180 is receivedin the cavity 163 of one structure 160 while the other half of thespacer 180 is received in the cavity 163 of the other structure 160.Thus, the spacer 180 at least partially fills the combined cavitybetween two support structures 160 to reinforce the strength of thejoint of the two combined support structures 160. As shown, the spaceris substantially rectangular or prism shaped. However, in otherembodiments, the spacer 180 may be of any shape and size.

The spacer 180 is shown to include a body 181 that defines a pair offrontward holes 182 and rearward holes 183 (see FIG. 5) (e.g., voids,apertures, openings, etc.). In use, one of the pair of frontward holes182 aligns with a front hole 165 of one support structure 160, while theother hole in the pair of frontward 182 aligns with a front hole 165 ofthe other support structure. In an analogous fashion, one of the pairrearward holes 183 aligns with a rear hole 166 of one support structure,which the other hole in the pair of rearward holes 183 aligns with arear hole 166 of the other support structure. Fasteners (e.g., screws,pins, etc.) may then be received by each of the aligned holes. In oneembodiment, one or more of the holes may be threaded to engage with athreaded fastener. Accordingly and in use, each support structure 160may be attached to the spacer 180, where the coupling of each structure160 to the spacer 180 then couples each tank 150 together. That is tosay, one spacer 180 is coupled to two support structures 160 to join,which in turn joins to tanks 150 together.

According to one embodiment, the support structure 160 may also includean elevation adjustment system 170 (see FIG. 4). The elevationadjustment system 170 may be employed with one or both of the legs 162of each support structure 160 of the tank 150. The elevation adjustmentsystem 170 facilitates height or length adjustment of the leg(s) 162.Accordingly, the elevation adjustment system 170 may be used to increasea height of the legs 162 of each support structure 160 in the rear ofthe tank 150 (i.e., proximate rear groove 159) if the case is desired tobe angled toward the front (i.e., front groove 158). More generally, theelevation adjustment system 170 may be used to adjust a height of atleast one leg 162 to adjust a rear, front, or lateral height of the tank150. In this regard, the elevation adjustment system 170 may accommodatea ground surface that is not level. Moreover, the elevation adjustmentsystem 170 may facilitate leveling of each modular tank 150 individuallyand collectively in a multi-modular tank 150 assembly.

In one embodiment, the elevation adjustment system 170 includestelescoping legs 162. The telescoping legs 162 may include a shaft 171that is slidably lockable in the support structure 160. As such, a usermay push the shaft 171 via a push structure 172 out from the supportstructure 160 to increase the length of the leg 162 out of the supportstructure. A locking mechanism, such as a pin, may then be inserted intothe shaft and support structure 160 to lock the leg at a desired height.In another example, the shaft 171 may threadedly engage with the supportstructure 160. In this instance, a user may rotate the shaft 171 (e.g.,via a nut or other rotating mechanism) in a first direction to increasethe extension of the leg 162 from the support structure 160.Comparatively, rotation in a second opposite direction may facilitateinsertion of the leg 162 into the support structure to decrease theheight. In still another example, the elevation adjustment system 170may be powered from, for example, the electronics box 110. In thisregard, the leg(s) 162 may be electrically actuable further from andcloser to the support structure 160 to adjust the height of the leg(s)162. It should be understood that the aforementioned list is not meantto be limiting as the present disclosure contemplates other anddifferent elevation adjustment systems that may be implemented with oneor more of the legs of the support structure 160 to adjust a height ofthe support structure relative to a ground or support surface.

It should be noted that references to “front,” “rear,” “upper,” “top,”“bottom,” “base,” and “lower” in this description are merely used toidentify the various elements as they are oriented in the Figures. Theseterms are not meant to limit the element which they describe, as thevarious elements may be oriented differently in various temperaturecontrolled cases.

Further, for purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means thejoining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Suchjoining may be stationary in nature or moveable in nature and/or suchjoining may allow for the flow of fluids, electricity, electricalsignals, or other types of signals or communication between the twomembers. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the twomembers and any additional intermediate members being integrally formedas a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or thetwo members and any additional intermediate members being attached toone another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternativelymay be removable or releasable in nature.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of theelements of temperature controlled case and the angled dischargediffuser provided herein are illustrative only. Although only a fewexemplary embodiments of the present inventions have been described indetail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review thisdisclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possiblein these embodiments (e.g., the structure of the diffuser, the dischargeangle of the diffuser, the angle of the top and/or bottom portions ofthe duct that is adjacent to the diffuser, etc.) without materiallydeparting from the novel teachings and advantages of the disclosure.Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be within the scopeof the disclosure.

What is claimed:
 1. A temperature controlled case comprising: a housingthat defines a temperature controlled space; a cooling system in thermalcommunication with the temperature controlled space; a first modulartank; and a second modular tank, wherein each of the first and secondmodular tanks are coupled to at least one component of the housing, andwherein each modular tank of the first and second modular tanksincludes: a body having a top surface; and a support structure coupledto the body, wherein the support structure includes a pair of legs forsupporting the body above a support surface; wherein the supportstructure of the first modular tank couples to the support structure ofthe second modular tank to couple the first modular tank to the secondmodular tank.
 2. The temperature controlled case of claim 1, wherein thetop surface of each modular tank defines a drain for collectingcondensation from the cooling system.
 3. The temperature controlled caseof claim 1, wherein the support structure of each modular tank includesa first support structure and a second support structure, wherein thefirst support structure is coupled to a first end of the body and thesecond support structure is coupled to a second end of the body.
 4. Thetemperature controlled case of claim 1, wherein the support structure ofeach modular tank includes a body that defines a cavity, wherein thecoupled support structure of the first and second modular tankssubstantially seals a combined cavity of each support structure.
 5. Thetemperature controlled case of claim 4, wherein the support structure ofthe first modular tank is coupled to the support structure of the secondmodular tank via a spacer such that the support structure of the firstmodular tank is not directly coupled to the support structure of thesecond modular tank.
 6. The temperature controlled case of claim 5,wherein the spacer is sized to fit within the combined cavity.
 7. Thetemperature controlled case of claim 5, wherein the body of the spacerdefines a hole, wherein the body of each of the support structuresdefines a hole, wherein the spacer is coupled to the body of each of thesupport structures via alignment of the holes and insertion of afastener.
 8. The temperature controlled case of claim 1, wherein thebody of each modular tank defines at least one groove, wherein a grooveof the at least one groove receives a component of the at least onecomponent for coupling the component to the groove.
 9. A temperaturecontrolled case comprising: a housing that defines a temperaturecontrolled space; a cooling system in thermal communication with thetemperature controlled space; and a modular tank supporting the housingand the cooling system, wherein the modular tank includes: a body havinga top surface; a drain defined by the top surface; and at least onegroove defined by the top surface, wherein a groove of the at least onegroove receives a component of the housing to couple the component tothe modular tank.
 10. The temperature controlled case of claim 9,wherein the modular tank includes an indicator, wherein the indicatorindicates a location for a component of the cooling system.
 11. Thetemperature controlled case of claim 10, wherein the indicator includesa protrusion extending from the top surface.
 12. The temperaturecontrolled case of claim 9, wherein the modular tank further includes afirst support structure coupled to a first end of the body and a secondsupport structure coupled to a second end of the body, wherein the firstand second support structures support the body above a support surfacefor the temperature controlled case.
 13. The temperature controlled caseof claim 12, wherein each of the first and second support structuresinclude a pair of legs that support the body above the support surface.14. The temperature controlled case of claim 13, wherein the modulartank further includes an elevation adjustment system, wherein theelevation adjustment system adjusts a height of at least one leg in eachpair of legs to adjust a height of the body relative to the supportsurface.
 15. The temperature controlled case of claim 12, wherein atleast one of the first and second support structures define a groove,wherein the groove aligns with the at least one groove defined by thetop surface.
 16. The temperature controlled case of claim 12, whereineach support structure includes a body, wherein the body of each supportstructure defines a cavity, wherein the cavity is sized to receive atleast part of a spacer, and wherein the spacer is configured to coupletwo support structures together.
 17. A temperature controlled casehaving a housing that defines a temperature controlled space in thermalcommunication with a cooling system and a modular tank for at leastpartially supporting the housing and the cooling system, the modulartank comprising: a body having a top surface; a drain defined by the topsurface; a first groove defined by the body and positioned near a frontportion of the body; a second groove defined by the body and positionednear a rear portion of the body; and a support structured attached tothe body, wherein the support structure includes a body and a pair oflegs, wherein the pair of legs support the body above a support for thecase; wherein at least one of the first groove and the second groovereceive a component of the housing to couple the component to the body.18. The temperature controlled case of claim 17, wherein the modulartank further includes an indicator protruding from the top surface ofthe body, wherein the indicator provides a locating beacon for acomponent of the cooling system that at least one of couples to the bodyand rests on the top surface of the body.
 19. The temperature controlledcase of claim 17, wherein the support structure includes an elevationadjustment system, wherein the elevation adjustment system provides aheight adjustment mechanism for at least one of the pair of legs. 20.The temperature controlled case of claim 17, wherein the supportstructure is of unitary construction.